The EarthWISE program is a FREE business environmental assistance program offered to all businesses in Marion County. EarthWISE program staff are available for anything from a quick phone call to answer an environmental question to a full-service environmental assessment site visit - whatever you need to get your business recycling, reducing waste, and/or saving energy and water.

The best way to reduce waste and save money is to avoid creating waste in the first place. Here are some ideas that could be used to reduce waste in your company's operations.

When preparing reports, think about how they will be recycled later and design for recyclability. Phase out the use of colored divider sheets, and non-recyclable covers and binding material. If possible, staple reports together or use a three hole punch and encourage the use of reusable three ring binders.

Use only the amount of paper you need. Post a sign at the photocopier (e.g., Think Before You Copy or Do You Need This Copy?).

and asking that your name(s) be eliminated from mailing lists. Be sure to include the following information: Your full name and any variations that may be used by direct marketers; the date; your mailing address; your signature; the following statement: "Please remove my name and address from your mailing list." or for their web site: http://www.dmaconsumers.org/cgi/offmailinglist#moreinformation

MEMOS

Use voice mail, e-mail, route one copy, or post the memo on a central board.

COMPUTER

Store documents on disk or microfiche to minimize the number of hard copies made. If your company has a network, use a common directory to transfer documents.

Proof documents on the computer screen before printing.

Some printers feed an extra sheet of paper with every document. Check with the manufacturer about reprogramming the printer.

Recharge printer cartridges.

FAX MACHINE

Design FAX cover sheets to be as small as possible, but still have adequate space for messages so that you do not have to attach a separate letter or note.

Use a stamp to convey transmittal information when a message is not necessary.

Recharge fax cartridges.

Buy FAX machines that use bond paper.

OFFICE EQUIPMENT

Traditionally, office equipment purchase decisions have been based primarily on considerations of capital cost and performance. Environmental benefits or costs have not been explicitly considered. Look at all the costs and benefits of proposed alternatives, not just the capital cost. Buy equipment which is repairable.

Repair rather than replace equipment. For infrequently used equipment, rent rather than buy.

Sharing equipment with the adjacent office is another option.

Use remanufactured or used office equipment.

OVERSTOCKED, EXCHANGEABLE ITEMS

Donate surplus produce and past-pull-date perishables to food banks.

Advertise surplus and reusable waste items through a commercial waste exchange, such as IMEX (Industrial Materials Exchange). For additional resources contact Alan Pennington, Marion County Department of Public Works - Environmental Services at 365-3188.

Reuse materials within the business. Have a clean out your desk/supply cabinet day with a give-and-take area set up for extra, unwanted items.

SHIPPING, RECEIVING & ORDERING

Negotiate with suppliers to provide goods in reusable, returnable, or recyclable packaging.

Some local area suppliers and distributors are back-hauling boxes, containers and pallets for re-use. Request returnable containers for deliveries.

Have an office copy of daily newspaper supplied for all employees to share in common areas. Purchase only one subscription to a magazine and circulate it among employees. Give old magazines to hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes.